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Isaiah 9:2

Isaiah 9:2 in Multiple Translations

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people who went in the dark have seen a great light, and for those who were living in the land of the deepest night, the light is shining.

People walking in the dark will see a bright light; a light will shine on those living in a land of total darkness.

The people that walked in darkenes haue seene a great light: they that dwelled in the land of the shadowe of death, vpon them hath the light shined.

The people who are walking in darkness Have seen a great light, Dwellers in a land of death-shade, Light hath shone upon them.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shades of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.

Some day, it will be as though [MET] the people who walked in darkness will see a great light. A great light will shine on those who live in a land where they have great troubles/distress.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 9:2

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הִרְבִּ֣יתָ הַ/גּ֔וֹי לא ל֖/וֹ הִגְדַּ֣לְתָּ הַ/שִּׂמְחָ֑ה שָׂמְח֤וּ לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ כְּ/שִׂמְחַ֣ת בַּ/קָּצִ֔יר כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָגִ֖ילוּ בְּ/חַלְּקָ֥/ם שָׁלָֽל
הִרְבִּ֣יתָ râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-ms
לא lôʼ H3808 not Part
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
הִגְדַּ֣לְתָּ gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
הַ/שִּׂמְחָ֑ה simchâh H8057 joy Art | N-fs
שָׂמְח֤וּ sâmach H8055 to rejoice V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
כְּ/שִׂמְחַ֣ת simchâh H8057 joy Prep | N-fs
בַּ/קָּצִ֔יר qâtsîyr H7105 harvest Prep | N-ms
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
יָגִ֖ילוּ gîyl H1523 to rejoice V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/חַלְּקָ֥/ם châlaq H2505 to divide Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
שָׁלָֽל shâlâl H7998 spoil N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 9:2

הִרְבִּ֣יתָ râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
הִגְדַּ֣לְתָּ gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/שִּׂמְחָ֑ה simchâh H8057 "joy" Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
שָׂמְח֤וּ sâmach H8055 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כְּ/שִׂמְחַ֣ת simchâh H8057 "joy" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
בַּ/קָּצִ֔יר qâtsîyr H7105 "harvest" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָגִ֖ילוּ gîyl H1523 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to rejoice or be glad, often expressing strong emotions like joy or fear, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to tremble (from fear)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:31; Proverbs 23:25; Psalms 2:11.
בְּ/חַלְּקָ֥/ם châlaq H2505 "to divide" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
שָׁלָֽל shâlâl H7998 "spoil" N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.

Study Notes — Isaiah 9:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 4:16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
2 Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
3 John 8:12 Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
4 John 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
5 Luke 1:78–79 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
6 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
7 1 John 1:5–7 And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 Isaiah 60:1–3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
9 Luke 2:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”
10 Ephesians 5:13–14 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Isaiah 9:2 Summary

Isaiah 9:2 is talking about people who are living in a place of spiritual darkness, but then they see a great light. This light is like a beacon of hope in a dark world, and it's a picture of what happens when we encounter God's presence. As it says in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through the darkest times. Just like the people in this verse, we can experience the joy and freedom that comes from walking in the light of God's love, as seen in John 8:12, where Jesus says He is the light of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Isaiah 9:2?

Isaiah 9:2 refers to the region of Galilee, where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were located, as stated in Isaiah 9:1, and this region was later honored by God as the place where Jesus would minister, as seen in Matthew 4:12-17.

What does it mean to walk in darkness?

Walking in darkness, as mentioned in Isaiah 9:2, refers to a state of spiritual ignorance and sin, as seen in John 3:19, where people prefer darkness to the light of God's presence.

What is the significance of the 'land of the shadow of death'?

The 'land of the shadow of death' in Isaiah 9:2 is a metaphor for a place of spiritual darkness and hopelessness, but it also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring light and salvation, as stated in Matthew 4:16, referencing this very verse.

How does this verse relate to the coming of Jesus?

Isaiah 9:2 is a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring light to those living in darkness, as seen in Luke 1:76-79, where Zechariah prophesies about the coming of Jesus as a light to guide people into the way of peace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am walking in darkness, and how can I invite God's light to shine in those places?
  2. How can I, like Jesus, bring light and hope to those around me who may be living in spiritual darkness?
  3. In what ways can I, as a follower of Jesus, be a reflection of His light in a world that often seems dark and hopeless?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'see' the great light of God's presence in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence with me?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness,.... Meaning not the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, in the times of Hezekiah, when Sennacherib besieged them, as Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it; and much less

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 9:2

The people; the people of God, Israel and Judah, and especially those of them mentioned in the foregoing verse. Walked; in , it is sat. It notes not their gesture, but their state or condition, they lived or abode. Only walking in darkness is more perilous than sitting. Darkness: the expression is general, and so may well comprehend both the darkness of calamity, and the darkness of ignorance, and idolatry, and profaneness, in which those parts were eminently involved, by reason of their great distance from God’ s sanctuary, and by their frequent converse with the Gentiles, who bordered upon them, and of which this place is expounded, Matthew 4. Have seen, i.e. shall see, at the coming of the Messiah. The land of the shadow of death; which notes both extreme, and dangerous, or deadly darkness.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 9:2

Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.Ver. 2. The people that walked in darkness.] Liberationis lucem promittit.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 9:2

(2) The people that walked in darkness . . .—The words throw us back upon Isaiah 8:21-22. The prophet sees in his vision a light shining on the forlorn and weary wanderers. They had been wandering in the “valley of the shadow of death” (the phrase comes from Psalms 23:4; Job 3:5), almost as in the gloom of Sheol itself. Now there breaks in the dawn of a glorious day. Historically the return of some of the inhabitants of that region to their allegiance to Jehovah and the house of David (2 Chronicles 30:11; 2 Chronicles 30:13) may have been the starting point of the prophet’s hopes. The words have to the Christian student a special interest, as having been quoted by St. Matthew (Matthew 4:15-16) in connection with our Lord’s ministry in Galilee, perhaps with His being “of Nazareth,” which was in the tribe of Zebulun. We cannot positively say that such a fulfilment as that was in the prophet’s thoughts. The context shows in that he was thinking of Assyrian invasions, and the defeat of Assyrian armies, of a nation growing strong in numbers and prosperity. In this, as in other cases, the Evangelist adapts the words of prophecy to a further meaning than that which apparently was in the mind of the writer, and interprets them by his own experience. When he compared the state of Galilee, yet more, perhaps, that of his own soul, before and after the Son of man had appeared as the light of the world, Isaiah’s words seemed the only adequate expression of the change.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 9:2

2, 3. The sudden change of style is remarkable; all at once the prophecy breaks into a strain of rapturous and animated poetry, which is sustained to the close. In the Hebr. ch. 9 begins here.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness - The inhabitants of the region of Galilee.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 9:2

2. The people that walked in darkness — The “darkness” of commingled Judaism and paganism. Upon them hath the light shined — The light, namely, of Messiah’s own presence and preaching.

Sermons on Isaiah 9:2

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Freedom From Bondage Romans 8 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a garbage collector who had been rescued from a troubled life. The preacher describes a powerful moment during a church service wh
Basilea Schlink His Light Shines by Basilea Schlink This sermon focuses on the darkness that may surround us during Christmas, whether in the world situation or in our personal relationships and hearts. It highlights the prophecy of
C.H. Spurgeon The Three Hours' Darkness by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus speaking to bring light to dark hearts. He highlights the significance of Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross, sta
J. Glyn Owen What Child Is This? the Benedictus by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enem
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 9:2 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the parallels between the current state of society and the biblical story of Judah's idolatry and turning away from God. He condemns the pre
Bakht Singh Beggarly by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the beggar as mentioned in 1st Samuel chapter 2 verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes that God sees us as beggars, helpless an
Roger Ellsworth The Darkness-Despeller in Darkness by Roger Ellsworth In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the astonishing nature of the darkness that fell upon Golgotha when Jesus was crucified. He highlights the Lord Jesus as the dispeller of dar

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